During the 2026 grand finale of the “Young Parliamentarians – Ejjew Niddibattu” (Let’s Debate) initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anġlu Farrugia, delivered a poignant appeal for peace, responsibility, and the common good to be restored to the center of public life. Addressing a chamber filled with students, the Speaker warned that peace should never be taken for granted, stressing that a nation that ceases to advocate for peace risks losing its direction and its soul. Farrugia emphasized that Parliament must remain the highest venue for serious thought, responsible listening, and decision-making aimed at the collective welfare. He remarked that true democratic debate cannot be sustained by noise or emotion alone; instead, it must be rooted in facts, research, analysis, and a profound sense of accountability toward the public. Expressing great confidence in the younger generation, the Speaker praised the participants for their maturity and...

Prime Minister Robert Abela has reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to shielding households and businesses from rising energy costs while calling for greater flexibility within European Union measures, during an informal meeting of EU leaders held in Cyprus. Speaking at the high-level gathering, Abela emphasised that Malta will continue implementing measures to maintain stable energy prices and ensure secure supply and connectivity. He argued that while the European Union must strengthen its energy resilience, policies must reflect the realities of smaller and peripheral member states, particularly island nations. He stressed the need to balance climate ambition, competitiveness, and consumer protection. The summit opened with discussions on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Abela reiterated Malta’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and underlined the importance of maintaining EU unity. He called for continued pressure on Russia, sustained and predictable support for Ukraine, and...

The Food Safety and Security Authority, within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, is issuing a set of emergency measures with immediate effect in response to the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT 1 in Europe.  Following recent outbreaks reported in Cyprus and Greece, and in line with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) statement issued on 15 April 2026 calling for enhanced vigilance, Malta is adopting precautionary measures to protect animal health, safeguard the agricultural sector, and ensure food security.  These measures are being implemented in accordance with the Veterinary Services Act (Chapter 437), Article 15 (2) and (5).  Key Emergency Measures  With effect from 21 April 2026, the following measures shall apply:  Mandatory Quarantine:All entries into Malta of ruminants and swine from European Union Member States shall be subject to a mandatory quarantine period of fourteen (14) days,...

The Food Safety and Security Authority, within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, is issuing a set of emergency measures with immediate effect in response to the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT 1 in Europe.  Following recent outbreaks reported in Cyprus and Greece, and in line with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) statement issued on 15 April 2026 calling for enhanced vigilance, Malta is adopting precautionary measures to protect animal health, safeguard the agricultural sector, and ensure food security.  These measures are being implemented in accordance with the Veterinary Services Act (Chapter 437), Article 15 (2) and (5).  Key Emergency Measures  With effect from 21 April 2026, the following measures shall apply:  Mandatory Quarantine:All entries into Malta of ruminants and swine from European Union Member States shall be subject to a mandatory quarantine period of fourteen (14) days,...

Police intelligence in 2018 linked Yorgen Fenech to secret company 17 Black, triggering investigations, a court heard on Friday. This emerged during testimony by Former Assistant Commissioner Ian Abdilla as court proceedings continued against former superintendent and former head of police’s anti-money laundering unit Ray Aquilina and alleged Daphne Caruana Galizia murder mastermind Yorgen Fenech. Both men are charged with money laundering and corruption. Co-accused Aquilina is charged with corruption, leaking official secrets, money laundering and perjury. They are pleading not guilty. Notary Mario Bugeja was also charged with money laundering in the same case. Aquilina was first arrested in April 2021 as part of a wider probe into police and government officials who potentially leaked sensitive information to suspects in the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation. This came at a time wherein Fenech was meant to be investigated by the former superintendent in relation to the ownership...

A new initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable fish consumption among children has been launched in four primary schools across Malta, with the pilot project beginning in Marsaxlokk. The ‘Fish Fridays’ programme, led by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries Aquaculture and Animal Rights, seeks to raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of fish as part of a balanced diet. The initiative combines educational sessions with practical tasting experiences to engage students from an early age. Nutritionists delivered interactive sessions to pupils from Year 1 to Year 6, with children grouped by age to ensure effective participation. Following the talks, students were given portions of specially prepared fish-based meals, allowing them to experience the food first-hand. The pilot is being implemented using a rotation system within participating schools to ensure all students can take part safely and efficiently. Authorities said the initial phase will help assess how the programme...

Momentum on Friday condemned the unanimous parliamentary approval to transfer public land in Pembroke for the Valletta FC football campus. After weeks of statements from MPs claiming they are “listening to the people,” both PN and PL have once again acted against the wishes of residents. This decision is a betrayal of Pembroke residents and of all those who expected transparency and genuine consultation, the party said. This is exactly why Momentum exists: to stand with citizens who feel ignored and sidelined in a system where the lines between PN and PL have all but disappeared. Once again, instead of pursuing sustainable alternatives and changing the local plan in order to include the stretch of land in the Natura 2000 site, both parties have chosen to sacrifice our remaining natural environment. Arnold Cassola said: “We strongly support sports and investment in community facilities. But it is deeply...

The daughter of an Italian man charged with attempting to kill her and her brother is scheduled to testify against the accused, her father, on Friday morning. Several other court-appointed experts, architects and scene of crime officers are set to testify on their involvement in the case, as the case continues on Friday morning before Magistrate Franco Agius. In separate charges, the man is accused of causing grievous bodily harm to his son and his daughter, causing serious injuries. The accused was also charged with illegally arresting, detaining or sequestering both children against their will, without lawful authority. Prosecutors alleged the offences were aggravated because the victims were threatened with death and were his direct descendants. The man, who cannot be named due to court order, plead not guilty. The case has been reassigned to Magistrate Franco Agius following the promotion of Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit to...

A 29-year-old man from Ħamrun was seriously injured after falling into a lift shaft while carrying out some works in Naxxar. Police said that the incident happened at around 4.30pm in Triq in-Nutar Debono, Naxxar. Preliminary investigations showed that the man fell around four storeys. Members of the Civil Protection Department, as well as a medical team, were called on site to assist, and an ambulance took him to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment, where he was certified as suffering from serious injuries. Police investigations, as well as those by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, are ongoing. Magistrate Monica Borg Galea is leading an inquiry. Source link

Kyle Patrick Camilleri Thursday, 23 April 2026, 22:19 Last update: about 6 hours ago Following the announcement of Malta’s 15-year national transport plan earlier in the day, Transport Minister Chris Bonett shared how this national programme will be implemented over the coming decade and a half. On the light-rail rapid transit system (the metro) Minister Bonett said construction the La Vallette line, line 1 of this rapid transit system, is projected to commence in five to 10 years’ time. He added that from the moment construction begins, it should take between three and four years to finish Phase 1 of this route, i.e., from Malta International Airport to Valletta. This means that the first functional parts of this metro service will become operational in the first half of the early 2030s. Once this phase is running, all other transport modes will...